Cycling has boomed in popularity over the past while, with our very own Sir Chris Hoy pedalling his way to success last year and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games just twelve months away. As an exhibit of our passion for the sport, Glasgow will be proudly hosting the British Cycling National Road Race Championships 2013 on Sunday 23rd June, with the event looking to be one of the biggest sporting occasions in the lead up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games. So, whether you’re out to support a cyclist or just out to practice your cheering skills for next summer, there are plenty of bars and pubs in City Centre along route where you can have a pre-race pint, soak up the atmosphere and catch a glimpse of the racers as they rocket through the heart of city.
Spectators in their masses at the 2012 Road Race Championships
If you’re planning to witness that all important gun shot at Glasgow Green, head to the cool and quirky Merchant City bar Mono beforehand, for some pre-race refreshments with a helping of delicious home cooked vegan food and a tipple in their beergarden (should the sun decides to show its face on the day.) Following the kick off at Glasgow Green, the cyclists will be frantically spinning those wheels along Argyle Street and towards Buchanan Street, where an inevitable buzz of spectators will eagerly await. For a prime spot among the action, head to Sloans on the cosy lane just off Buchanan Street, where you can enjoy Glasgow’s oldest bar and restaurant just minutes from the whizz of the bikes.
Mono - a delightful vegan cafe bar not far from Glasgow Green
All Bar One on St Vincent Street is also positioned in an ideal location for some race-side lunch and drinks, with the cyclists due to rally their way through the street outside as they battle onwards towards Glasgow’s West End. To catch the race in from a West End pub, grab a pint in The Dram! - A bustling and friendly treasure on Woodlands Road, while settling yourself in a booth opposite the large street-facing windows for some ultimate front row action.
The Dram!, A prime spectating spot for the race.
To witness the supersonic pedalling of the cyclists as they draw closer to the finish line, have a jar in Blackfriars in Merchant City and await the action in one of the best real ales and craft beer bars in Glasgow, the perfect race day pit stop, only seconds away from the race route on High Street. And finally, with the champions being crowned at the podium celebrations back at Glasgow Green, you can soak up the glory (without the soar arse and exhaustion!) with a range of cycling activities, entertainment and food and drink stalls to celebrate an exhilarating event in Glasgow's sporting history.
Head to Glasgow Green for the all-important podium celebrations
If you want to continue the festivities after the day's biking blowout, head to West Brewery for a hearty German brew in the East End bar, and watch the sunset over Glasgow Green in one of the best beergardens in Glasgow. Otherwise, call it a day after an action packed afternoon and get training for next years annual Road Champs. Go on...on your bike!
